Shell Brasil has agreed a partnership with underwater sensor technology company Sonardyne International and Brazilian research institute Senai Cimatec to develop innovative autonomous technology to make the monitoring of Brazil’s challenging deepwater pre-salt oil fields more efficient. The new 4D seismic monitoring system, based on the so-called 'On-demand Ocean Bottom Nodes', is being developed under a National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) promoted programme.

The goal is to increase the autonomy of ocean bottom nodes and enable them to be deployed and remain on the seafloor for up to five years. During that period, no interventions, such as connections for data extraction or replacement of batteries, would be required.

Wireless communication between nodes and AUVs

The nodes would communicate wirelessly with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), such as the Shell-funded FlatFish AUV. These capabilities will help to generate operational efficiencies and eliminate the various existing difficulties in deploying current 4D seismic monitoring technology, which is vital to the development and production optimization of oil and gas fields. The new technology will also allow the reduction of both cost and operational safety risks.

Jorge Lopez, Shell research and development advisor in Brazil, commented “This is a very promising project, fully aligned with the new reality of the oil and gas industry, which seeks to use new technologies to ensure a safer, more efficient operation that has less impact on the environment. For Shell, Brazil is an important centre for attracting partners and technological developments, and we are sure that the partnership with Sonardyne and Senai will be very successful.”

Long-endurance battery-powered subsea instrumentation

Shaun Dunn, global business manager, exploration and surveillance, Sonardyne, said “The project will use our significant expertise in the design of long-endurance battery-powered subsea instrumentation, as well as our wireless through-water acoustic and optical communications technologies. Leveraging these will help to create a unique capability that will greatly enhance the cost-effectiveness of on-demand seismic surveys and continuous seafloor deformation monitoring offshore Brazil.”

The project is divided into three main phases: development, including design and initial testing of the new node, including communication with the underwater vehicle; manufacturing of a pilot scale system; and deployment of the pilot system for three years in a pre-salt field.

Follow Hydro International on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or sign up for the newsletter! Don't miss the latest developments: join Hydro International!

12.642

SUBSCRIBERS

5.637

MEMBERS

5.099

LIKES

4.407FOLLOWERS

Republishing articles

At Hydro International, we often receive permission requests to use our articles for republishing purposes. Get permission to reuse our content quickly and easily with PLS Permissions Request. Simply search for Hydro International and fill in the article you are looking for.